400 to 600?

[jigga1980]

Hi

I'm after some advice on whether I should change my bike.

I've been riding almost two years. Had a zzr 250 for about 10 months, did about 4500 miles on it. Now got a zxr 400, had that about a year, only done about 2500 miles (weather).

I like the zxr, it's great on a smooth even road but anything else it's a little too hardcore. If i'm doing a high speed corner 70+ sort of speeds the front end bounces around like a pogo stick. I've not adjusted the suspension yet on the front but doesn't seem like there is too much adjustment.

I'm not tall, about 5ft 7" but even so the zxr is very much a race riding position. After riding all day my bum, wrists and most of my body feel quite fatiuged (compared to zzr). Add to that you are changing up and down th box often as it's only a 400 and have to drop a few gears to overtake.

I didn't go straight to a 600 as thought it would be too big a jump from a 250. But feel like I could cope with it now, throttle goes both ways.

Posted this on a few forums. General opinion is modern 600's are easier to ride/handle. It's a easier/safer to overtake knowing you have power in reserve.

Was speaking to a lass last night, she bought a rizla gsxr600 K1 with 8500 miles for £2200. Seems a bargain!


Thanks

[Fisty]

Hi, good choice on the ZXR400.

The suspension has plenty of adjustment but from your description of pogoing something sounds wrong!

My younger brothers H model had the same symptoms and it turned out the forks needed a rebuild. After that it handled brilliantly. Mine handled like a dream even better than my 900.

As for going from a 400 to a 600 its a natural progression ( though I went from a ZXR400 to a ZX9R!)

Most people I know who had a 4 went to a 6 without a problem!
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[Ant]

i went from a 125 to a 600 within 8ish months, be carefull and you'll be fine!
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04 ZX10R ~

[Stiffler]

I went 125 - VFR400 - ZX-6R in around a year and it was all fairly straight forward. The biggest jump for me personally was a 4stroke 125 to the 400...

The 400 to 600 leap wasn't that much of a shock at all. In fact a 600 isn't significantly quicker to 60 although after that there is a great deal more power on tap. But you shouldn't ever need to be pushing it too much in that territory on the roads!

As far as handling and comfort are concerned that very much depends on what type of 600 you get. I don't think there are many bikes that handle a great deal better than many of the sports 400's. Comfort is more down to the style of bike but even the sports 600's tend to have a little more space available.
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Current Bikes - Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) | BMW G650GS

[mattgirv]

My 400 is much like that in the suspension department. Because it is nearly 20 years old, and has been thrashed around and is also heavier than equivalent bikes nowadays, it means the suspension is well well past its best.

The front suspension on most bikes after about 20,000 miles probably ideally needs a rebuild but its probably never done until it fails or becomes uncomfortable to ride.

You could probably refresh your fork oil/springs in the front for not too hefty a sum. As mr_fisty has already said, that will literally transform the bike and will probably feel a lot better.

I think a 600 could be a good choice if you are finding your 400 a bit limp, but I wouldn't use the 'power to get out of problems' reasoning, its just as likely that power is what got you into that situation in the first place. If you ride within the abilities of your bike, as well as yourself, you will find things a lot easier. I find the only situation more power has been an advantage is on dual carriageways/motorways for very swift overtakes or powering ahead of someone cutting into the side of me. The only discernable problem with this theory as far as I can tell is not only might something unpredictable happen with what you are trying to avoid, but you could end up powering into some completely different situation. Coupled with the fact that you have then increased the speed of which you are going to hit something/ come off.

I think its a gamble, and you shouldn't really use the 'safety aspect' in trying to justify more power. Hey don't get me wrong we all want to experience rapid acceleration and go fast. If the 400 is comfortable at the speeds that you want to go, keep hold and overhaul your suspension.

Mine does need a rebuild really, but I won't do it for now as its just a commuting hack and I'm not running out of travel or anything its just not very good at absorbing bumps at a rapid rate.
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Bikes: 1998 Honda VFR800Fi, 26,500 miles
1989 Honda CB-1, 38,000 miles